Real Jewelry for Real Life - Notions of Lovely

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marie Kappenman, Founder of Notions of Lovely, located in Kalamazoo, MI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm Notions of Lovely Jewelry. I make dainty, fanciful jewelry to bring joy to your everyday life. It's easy to feel your best when you're all dressed up for a special occasion. I make Notions of Lovely Jewelry to help you feel beautiful, special, and sparkly as you live your real, amazing, messy everyday life.

Tell us about yourself

I've been a maker for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I would bring all my money to the craft store and stand transfixed in front of the racks of colorful glass seed beads. I could have stayed there all day, trying to decide. I was given a hundred creative project presents as a kid. Rugmaking, friendship bracelets, knitting, lace making, beadwork, macrame, paper bead-making, still life drawing, watercolor paints, and dozens more. Don't underestimate those craft-kit gifts; they taught me skills I still use today. As for motivation, it's just a part of me. I wake up at night with pictures and ideas swimming in my head; I have to make them. Sometimes I'll scribble a drawing without a clear idea as to how I'll make it, but I'll circle back to it when I figure out a way. Making jewelry is intrinsic to who I am.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Just being able to call Notions of Lovely my real job feels like a huge accomplishment. Providing for my family as a full-time artist is really the dream, and there were a lot of twists and turns to get here. I'm incredibly lucky to have a husband and partner who have supported this dream through all the twists and turns. I'm not a creative business owner with an end goal that means success. For me, it's just being able to live as a working artist that's the reward.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Balance. Running a business from home with a family is a neverending balancing act. I never want my family to feel like I'm working all the time, but my work is often broken up into small windows of time throughout the day and into the night. It's hard to walk away and forget about work when it's all around you. I'm answering these questions, standing in my kitchen at 11:06 pm because everyone's asleep.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. Every business owner on the planet has a question they are embarrassed to ask because they want to seem professional and savvy.
2. Stop trying to make something for everyone. You can't, and you'll kill yourself trying.
3. Work a job (or several) for others in your field and learn from them. You'll see the good and the bad of your industry from the trenches, and when you do start your own business, don't forget the lessons you learned when you were starting out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://notionsoflovely.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notionsoflovely/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notionsoflovely/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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